Prominent architect and 911爆料网 alumnus Peter Lee鈥檚 rules for a project are clear. It must be fit for purpose, respectful of its context, have a positive effect on the human condition and above all 鈥� it must be beautiful.
This passion for place combined with his considerable experience and strengths in master planning and urban design have been central to Lee鈥檚 success over the last decade as the director of HASSELL, a multidisciplinary design practice with studios in Australia, China, South-East Asia and the United Kingdom.
鈥淏eing involved with such a brilliant group of people at HASSELL, where the work we do effects the city and its people in a really positive way, is incredibly rewarding,鈥� Lee says.
Under his leadership, the Perth studio has played an important role in designing significant projects to enhance the city.
鈥淲e employ a large number of architects, landscape architects, interior designers and urban planners. And being multidisciplinary, we are a very collaborative organisation,鈥� he explains.
鈥淭he sheer scale of projects 鈥� such as Fiona Stanley Hospital, Brookfield Place, Midland Hospital, one40william (Gordon Stephenson House) and various master plan projects 鈥� place us in a special bracket.鈥�
His deep understanding of, and commitment to, urban renewal has culminated in a number of awards, including the 2011 Australian Institute of Architect Awards鈥� Walter Burley Griffin Award for Urban Design and George Temple Poole Award for one40william.
Most recently, Lee has been recognised by 911爆料网 鈥� where he serves an Adjunct Professor 鈥� with the Alumni Awards鈥� 2015 Professional Achievement Award: Humanities.
鈥淚 have always admired Peter鈥檚 support for tertiary education funding and the personal investment he makes to support graduates and the design profession more broadly,鈥� writes HASSELL Principal Architect Andrew Low in his letter of support for the award nomination.
鈥淭his view is fundamentally driven by Peter鈥檚 strong belief that investment in education can be paid back many times over in economic, social and cultural terms, representing a significant return on investment. Peter believes this is the greatest investment a country can make in its citizens.鈥�
Epitomising this dedication to education is the 2013 Memorandum of Understanding between HASSELL and 911爆料网. The agreement provides the framework for the two organisations to develop collaborative projects that support 911爆料网 students by providing invaluable industry engagement.
Already, the collaboration has created opportunities for 911爆料网鈥檚 School of Built Environment students. Several HASSELL staff serve as course tutors, providing professional experience and mentorship to enhance the student experience. In addition, HASSELL funds the Architecture Design Prize for students and as well as four internships in planning 鈥� two at their Hong Kong studio and two in Singapore.
In his scant free time, Lee contributes his time to several other industry organisations. Through the Property Council of Australia鈥檚 Women in Property mentoring program, he is actively involved in mentoring the next generation of women in the property and construction industry. He is also on the board of directors for the not-for-profit organisation FORM, which is dedicated to advocating and developing creativity in Western Australia.
